Technology education in primary schools – from laggard to leader

Akureyrarlistinn intends to set a clear direction for technology education in primary schools – moving from being a laggard to being a leader. Today, far too little is being done. Students do not get sufficient opportunities to develop skills in the technology subjects that matter in modern society. We are going to change that.

Focused teaching in creative technology subjects

We want to introduce focused foundational teaching in filmmaking, podcasting, lighting and sound production across all primary schools in the town. These are not fringe subjects but practical tools that are useful both in further studies and in working life. Students should learn to tell stories, work with image and sound, set up lighting, and operate sound at events – including being able to use a mixer and understand how good sound design shapes the experience.

The core tool of the teaching will be one everyone knows: the phone. It is powerful, accessible, and lets everyone take part. But we will also make sure that students get to work with traditional equipment – cameras, microphones, lights, and editing software, as well as modern technology such as AI built into these tools – so that they build skills that can be developed further at upper-secondary level.

A learning environment that reaches everyone

This is especially important because some students, particularly boys, are losing their connection with school. They do not find their place in traditional, book-based emphasis and in some cases drop out. By offering studies that connect with their real interests – technology, creativity, and hands-on work – we can reach them better. At the same time, it is clear that these subjects appeal just as much to girls. Here is an opportunity to build a diverse, equal, and engaging learning environment for motivated young people.

Technology subjects such as filmmaking are also linked to many other creative fields. Creative writing matters in screenwriting, costume design and hairstyling shape characters and looks, and cooking comes into play in production and set design. By strengthening these elements within the school system we are not just teaching technical skills but building holistic creative thinking.

Akureyri and the film industry

We want Akureyri to take an active part in making filmmaking a major and important industry in Iceland. With a strong educational offering in primary schools and good continuation at upper-secondary level, a real foundation is created for young people to live here in the north while working in the film industry, whether at home or internationally. In this way we strengthen both education and the local economy.

Creative content for social media also opens up new opportunities for tourism. Young people who know how to produce polished, engaging material can showcase Akureyri and northern Iceland in a vivid way, increase the area’s visibility, and attract more visitors. This is real value creation.

The upper-secondary schools then need to be able to receive students who already know the basics. Students who know how to develop an idea, work on it, and communicate it. Students who understand the technology and are ready to go deeper.

Akureyrarlistinn’s commitment

Akureyrarlistinn promises action: improved equipment, teacher training, and a clear introduction of these subjects into the timetable. We intend to build a strong, modern and fair school system where young people get the opportunity to find their own path.

The undersigned has, for the past several years, been working to get this kind of teaching started in Akureyri, including through cooperation with SAMNOR, the joint forum of upper-secondary schools in the north of Iceland. These ideas have been well received within the upper-secondary schools and there is much movement under way, but it is important that the primary schools of Akureyri are not left behind, ill-equipped.

Hilmar Friðjónsson
Upper-secondary school teacher and enthusiast for technology matters in Akureyri.